Restore Your Smile’s Health and Beauty with Periodontal Therapy
Did you know gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? While periodontal disease develops silently and painlessly, it can cause severe consequences for your oral and systemic health. The good news is that gum disease is preventable and treatable. At Boulevard Dental Citrus Park, we are excited to offer top-tier periodontal care in Tampa, Florida, and nearby locations. If you suspect gum disease, visit periodontal care expert Dr. Grace Ishak and her team today.
Save Your Smile with Effective Periodontal Therapy in Tampa, FL
Suspect gum disease may be threatening the health of your smile? Periodontal therapy at Boulevard Dental Citrus Park can effectively treat gum disease with special interventions to prevent tooth loss and reverse the damage of gum disease. Schedule a consultation today!
Effective Gum Disease Treatment
Protect Your Smile from Tooth Loss
Personalized Periodontal Care for Healthier Gums
Affordable Care with Our In-Office Membership Plan
How does periodontal disease form?
The primary cause of gum disease is dental plaque. This sticky, colorless film forms on teeth daily but is removable with brushing and flossing. When plaque isn’t removed because of poor oral hygiene, it hardens into tartar that inflames the gums. Over time, this irritation causes gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.
The symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Tender or swollen gums
- Red or inflamed gums
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing and flossing
- Sensitive teeth
Gum disease is progressive. When you fail to treat gingivitis, it progresses to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. At this stage, gums pull away from teeth, forming deep pockets that collect harmful deposits. Over time, the infection breaks down the underlying bone and connective tissues. Teeth may loosen and eventually fall out without adequate intervention. Worse yet, the infection creates an inflammation overload, heightening the risk of diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications, etc. Treating gum disease doesn’t just save your teeth—it protects your overall wellness.
How is gum disease treated?
Sometimes, you may not know you have gum disease until you are in the dental chair. The good news is that treatment is readily available. Dr. Ishak uses a conservative approach to periodontal therapy. Most cases of gingivitis are reversible (curable) with standard cleanings and at-home oral hygiene.
If your gum disease has advanced but doesn’t need surgical intervention, the dentist will recommend deep teeth cleaning. This two-step procedure involves:
- Scaling: The dentist uses special tools and skills to break hardened deposits and remove them from the deep periodontal pockets. Scaling removes irritants from deep areas beneath the gum line, unlike standard cleanings.
- Root planing: We smooth the root surfaces to discourage plaque and harmful bacteria from building up. Planing also encourages gums to reattach to your teeth.
Depending on the severity of your infection, you may need more than one visit. Once you get your gum disease under control, it doesn’t end there. We’ll schedule regular cleanings every 3-4 months to prevent the recurrence of the infection. You must also maintain good oral hygiene with brushing, flossing, and special mouthwashes.
Do I need gum disease surgery?
Deep teeth cleaning works for many cases. However, surgery may be necessary if the periodontal pockets are too deep to clean with non-surgical methods. Surgical treatments reduce pocket depth and give your gums a better chance of staying healthy. Also, grafting surgery may be needed to restore lost gum or bone tissue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease
How do you diagnose gum disease?
First, the dentist assesses your symptoms, including inflamed, receding, swollen, or bleeding gums. The dentist may also use a periodontal probe to measure the space between your teeth and gums (gingival sulcus). If the readings are more than 3mm, it indicates the presence of gum disease. The higher the readings, the more severe your infection is. For severe gum disease, the dentist may use dental X-rays to check bone levels.
Is gum disease contagious?
Not exactly, but the harmful bacteria can spread. The bacteria that cause gum disease can be passed through saliva. This means kissing or sharing utensils or toothbrushes may increase risk. However, getting into contact with harmful bacteria doesn’t mean you automatically get gum disease. Good oral hygiene and a strong immunity help protect your oral health from gum disease.
Is gum disease curable?
In its early stage, yes. We can reverse gingivitis with professional cleanings and diligent home care. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can’t be fully cured, but it can be controlled and managed with proper care.
Is gum disease treatment painful?
Not at Boulevard Dental Citrus Park. We use gentle techniques and local anesthesia when needed to maximize your comfort. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during treatment. You may have mild soreness after treatment, but it is manageable with medication and home remedies.
Does treating gum disease involve surgery?
Rarely. Our dentist can address many cases with deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing. This non-surgical treatment removes plaque from hard-to-reach surfaces and smooths the root surfaces to promote healing. You’ll only need surgery in advanced cases, where there is irreversible damage, or the pockets are too deep to clean with dental tools. We always use a conservative approach to periodontal care.
What is periodontal maintenance?
It’s ongoing care after gum disease treatment. After periodontal treatment, your dentist will recommend periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months to help prevent gum disease from returning. Think of it as long-term protection for your gums.
How much is gum disease treatment in Tampa, FL?
Costs vary based on the severity of the condition and the treatment required. Early treatment is more affordable than advanced care. We’ll give you a cost breakdown during your consultation so you know what to expect.
Does insurance cover the cost of gum disease treatment?
Often, yes. Many dental plans cover part of the gum disease treatment. However, the exact coverage varies depending on your plan. We’ll review your coverage and help you understand your benefits. We’ll also discuss how to make your treatment affordable with our in-house membership plan.
How can I prevent gum disease?
The best problems are those that never happen. Here are the tips to protect your smile from gum disease.
- Brush twice a day and floss daily.
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams.
- Quit all tobacco products.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Address any condition that suppresses your immunity.
Who offers gum disease treatment in Tampa, FL?
Do you miss your healthy gums? Don’t let gum disease ruin the smile you have worked so hard to protect. Call (813) 413-7758 to contact Boulevard Dental Citrus Park for an appointment. We offer personalized treatment for gum disease, helping you regain your optimal gum health.
Do you need gum disease treatment?
Suspect gum disease? Don't wait until the disease progresses to a point of no return. Call (813) 413-7758 and reserve an appointment with Boulevard Dental Citrus Park. Early intervention is the best chance for successful treatment with less invasive procedures.
